Measuring the Future of Clean Fuel in Los Angeles
March 2, 2022
by Maria S. Salinas
As a convener of thought leaders in the Los Angeles community, we are pleased to welcome Erin M. Smith, Chief Talent and Culture Officer at SoCalGas, and member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, as the guest author of this week’s Business Perspective.
SoCalGas is strongly positioned to lead and deliver in California’s energy transition through key investments in innovative, clean fuels technology, and a diverse, talented workforce. Last year, we became the largest natural gas company to commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045 through the use of clean fuels like renewable natural gas and hydrogen, carbon management, and technologies like fuel cells. To get there, we recently completed a comprehensive study on how to realistically and affordably reach net zero while ensuring that our grid remains resilient for our customers.
Here’s what we found:
- Electricity and gas aren’t competitors. In fact, combining electrification with zero-emissions fuels and carbon management will help deliver the most affordable, resilient and technologically proven path to full carbon neutrality.
- Repurposing existing natural gas pipelines to deliver clean fuels like hydrogen, and to manage carbon, will position California to reach net zero goals more affordably, more equitably and with less risk of power disruptions.
- Rapidly increasing the development of clean fuels initiatives is vital to putting a clean fuels network in place in time to help California meet its climate goals. The faster we can expand clean fuels, the sooner California can decarbonize.
As Chief Talent and Culture Officer, I am charged with building and retaining a workforce dedicated to delivering on SoCalGas’ mission to achieve its ambitious climate commitments. Through innovation and investments in technology and our people, we’re ready to do our part to meet the challenges ahead in reaching net zero in California.
Learn more about L.A. Area Chamber member SoCalGas, here.
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